Pillowcase changing tool

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a pillowcase changing apparatus comprising a pair of parallel X brace expanders and a pair of parallel base members. The expanders each include two slats connected at a middle pivot point. The expanders are positioned generally parallel to each other creating a slot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extends between first proximal points of each of the expanders. The second base member extends between second proximal points of each of the expanders. Selective separation of the base members controls the expansion of the expanders.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No.60/654,801, filed Feb. 18, 2005, and priority and the benefit of Ser.No. 60/654,801 is claimed in the present application to the extent thesubject matter of this application is found in that provisionalapplication. The content of that application is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to housekeeping accessories, and morespecifically provides a pillowcase changing tool and a method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inserting pillows into pillowcases and removing pillowcases from pillowscan be a time-consuming and frustrating event occurring in all types ofinstitutions, such as hospitals and hotels, as well as individualresidences. There have been attempts in the past to minimize thisproblem; however, previous devices tend to be bulky, awkward in use,and/or contain other limitations. An improved pillowcase changing toolis desired. Therefore, there is further need in this area, and morespecifically a need for a device that can reduce resistance between apillow and a pillowcase that makes changing pillowcases a difficulttask. The present invention is directed to meeting those needs, amongothers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention deals primarily with a pillowcase changing tool,generally including, in one embodiment, a pair of parallel X braces orexpanders connected to each other by a pair of parallel base members.Each expander includes two slats connected at a middle pivot point. Theexpanders are positioned generally parallel to each other creating aslot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extends betweenfirst proximal points of the expanders, and the second base memberextends between second proximal points of the expanders. The separationdistance of the base members controls the expansion of the expanders.Optionally, the spacing between the expanders is adjustable along thelengths of the base members.

Objects of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention willbecome apparent from the description, figures and claims herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pillowcase changing device accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of a component assembly of the pillowcase changingdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pillowcase changing device accordingto another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the pillowcase changing device ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pillowcase changing device of FIG. 1in use, relative to a pillow and pillowcase.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the pillowcase changing device ofFIG. 1 in use, relative to a pillow and pillowcase.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated andspecific language will be used to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations, modifications, andfurther applications of the principles of the invention beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a pillowcasechanging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a pair ofparallel X brace expanders and a pair of parallel base members. Each ofthe expanders includes two slats connected at a middle pivot point.Additionally, each expander includes a first end and a second end. Thefirst ends include first proximal points and second proximal points. TheX brace expanders are positioned generally parallel to each othercreating a slot for receipt of a pillow. The first base member extendsbetween the first proximal point of each of the X brace expanders. Thesecond base member extends between the second proximal point of each ofthe X brace expanders. In accordance with this embodiment, selectiveseparation of said base members controls expansion of the expanders. Inanother embodiment, the spacing of the expanders is adjustable along thelength of the base members.

To change a pillowcase using the pillowcase changing device, the Xbraces of the device are inserted between a pillowcase and a pillowmaintained in the pillowcase with the second X brace on the oppositeside of the pillow from the first X brace. The X braces are inserted toa position where top ends of the first and second X braces arepositioned near inner corners of the pillowcase and the base members ofthe device are positioned near an opening of the pillowcase, with thepillowcase at least partially covering each of the X braces. The basemembers may be pre-spaced or selectively spaced after insertion so thatthe expanders have a width approximately that of the pillow. Thereafter,the pillowcase is removed from the pillow and the device, with thepillow being maintained in the device.

To put a pillowcase on a pillow using the device, a pillow is insertedand held between the X braces of the device. A pillowcase is placed overthe pillow and the X braces, resulting in the device being positionedbetween the pillowcase and the pillow. Thereafter, the X braces areremoved from between the pillowcase and the pillow.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an example pillowcase changingdevice 10 including X braces 12 and 14. In the illustrated embodiment, Xbrace 12 includes slats 16 and 18 connected at middle pivot point 24,and X brace 14 includes slats 20 and 22 connected at middle pivot point26. In certain embodiments, middle pivot points 24 and 26 are located atcentral points of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22. In other embodiments,changing the position of pivot points 24 and 26 along slats 16, 18, 20and 22 creates varying degrees of expansion leverage for X braces 12 and14.

In certain embodiments, slats 16 and 18, and slats 20 and 22, arepivotally connected with pivot bolts 24 a and 26 a, respectively,extending through holes in the slats. Alternatively, other methods ofconnecting the slats together can be used as would generally occur toone skilled in the art. Further, it should be appreciated that the Xbraces can be single, continuous members.

As shown in FIG. 1, X brace 12 has endpoints 28, 30, 32 and 34, and Xbrace 14 has endpoints 36, 38, 40 and 42. In the illustrated embodiment,base members 50 and 52 connect X braces 12 and 14 together to formpillowcase changing device 10.

The X braces are expandable and contractible relative to the midpointsalong an x-axis to adjust for varying widths of pillows. Optionally, thespacing of the X braces is also adjustable along the lengths of the basemembers, along a y-axis, to adjust for varying thicknesses of pillows.In certain embodiments, the slats are flat bars, with a generallyrectangular cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, edges 16 a, 16 b,18 a, 18 b, 20 a, 20 b, 22 a and 22 b of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22 arerounded. The rounded edges of the X braces prevent material from gettingcaught on the edges during operation of the device. It should beappreciated that the slats can be generally cylindrically shaped with acircular cross-section, or shaped differently as would generally occurto one skilled in the art. In certain example embodiments, the slatsmeasure 30 inches in length; however, it should be appreciated that theslats could be shorter or longer as would occur to one skilled in theart. Additionally, in another embodiment, the slats can telescopicallyextend to accommodate longer pillows.

In the illustrated embodiment, X braces 12 and 14, along with basemembers 50 and 52, create a slot 66 for receipt of a pillow. In certainembodiments, the slats are made from a flexible material to accommodatethicker pillows. Additionally, the endpoints can include rounded tips toaid in placement and removal of the pillowcase over the device.Alternatively, the endpoints can include pointed tips to aid inplacement and removal of a pillowcase over the device.

Optionally, the slats can each be enhanced to include a grippinginterior surface 60 to better maintain contact with a pillow positionedwithin device 10. Examples of such enhancement include treating thesurfaces, texturing the surfaces, roughening the surfaces, and/or addingtextured materials to the surfaces. In certain embodiments, the slatscan each also be enhanced to include a smooth, slick exterior surface 62to aid in placement and removal of a pillowcase over device 10. Examplesof such enhancement include treating the surfaces and/or addingmaterials to the surfaces.

In the illustrated embodiment, base members 50 and 52 are elongate barswith a rectangular cross-section. The illustrated base members providestability for device 10 when resting on the base members. However, itshould be appreciated that the base members can be configureddifferently as would generally occur to one skilled in the art. As anexample, the base members can have circular cross-sections. In theillustrated embodiment, base members 50 and 52 extend along a y-axis,the y-axis being substantially perpendicular to the x-axis, as shown inFIG. 1. In certain preferred options, the X braces are adjustable alongthe lengths of the base members, thereby allowing for adjustability ofthe X braces along the y-axis. The adjustability of the X braces alongthe base members better enables use of the device with pillows ofvarying thickness.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, X braces 12 and 4 are connectedto base members 50 and 52 via connecting assemblies 63. Connectingassemblies 63 can include support members 64, as shown in FIG. 1,located at the juncture of the X braces to the base members. In certainembodiments, pivot bolts 72 pivotally connect support members 64 to theX braces. Support members 64 can provide additional stability andsupport to device 10, as well as serve as components in the connectionbetween the X braces and the base members.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example connecting assembly 63. The connection ofX braces 12 and 14 to base members 50 and 52 is preferably made throughthe use of fasteners, such as screws 71, inserted through the basemembers and into support members 64. Screws 71 can be inserted through apre-formed hole 70 in the base members.

Optionally, the base members can have two or more holes 70 to allowselective adjustment of the X braces along the base memberscorresponding to varying thicknesses of pillows. Providing numerousholes in the base members allows for adjustability of the X braces alongthe y-axis. Screws inserted through the base members into the supportmembers secure the X braces to the base members. It should beappreciated that other hardware can be used to connect the X braces tothe base members, such as quick release pins, clevis pins, hitch pins,and various types of other pieces as would generally occur to oneskilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, support members 64 are connected to endpoints28, 30, 36 and 38 of slats 16, 18, 20 and 22 with a pivot bolt 72secured by a pin 73. Pivot bolt 72 allows for pivotal connection betweenthe support members and the slats. Other pivot connection mechanisms canbe used to connect the slats to the support or base members as wouldgenerally occur to one skilled in the art.

Regarding the connection of the X braces to the base members, in anotherembodiment, the endpoints, such as endpoints 28, 30, 36 and 38, arereceived in holes in the base members in a manner as to permit pivotingof the slats relative to the base members. In alternative embodiments,there are holes in the slats near the endpoints, with the base membersreceived through the holes, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In otherembodiments, the base members include trenches with holes therein, theendpoints, such as endpoints 28, 30, 36 and 38, being received in theholes. However, it should be appreciated that other manners ofconnecting the X braces to the base members can be used as wouldgenerally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of device 10. As stated above, screws 71can be inserted through the base members and into support members 64. Incertain embodiments, the X braces can be positioned farther apart orcloser together, depending on a selected pillow thickness. Positioningthe X braces farther apart along the base members creates a larger slot66 to accommodate a thicker pillow. Positioning the X braces closertogether along the base members decreases the size of slot 66 to allowfor the use of device 10 with a thinner pillow. Other methods forproviding adjustability of the X braces along the y-axis can be employedas would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates device 100, device 100 being similar in structure andoperation to device 10. Device 100 includes X braces 120 and 140connected to base members 150 and 152. As shown, the base members areconfigured to be received in and slide through holes 153 in the slats,and secured by pins 154. The pivotal connection of X braces 120 and 140to base members 150 and 152 permits separation of the base members forexpansion and contraction of the X braces as well as a spacingadjustment for thickness.

The primary components of devices 10 and 100, in certain exampleembodiments, are made of wood-based materials. However, it should beappreciated that the components of devices 10 and 100 can be made fromvarious other alternative materials, such as plastic or metal, or othermaterials as would generally occur to one skilled in the art.

FIG. 4 illustrates device 100 in a contracted or compressed position. Asstated above, the X braces are expandable and contractible along thex-axis. The expansion and contraction of the X braces is a function ofmovement of the base members. For example, the base members can be movedclose to each other, thereby contracting the X braces. Additionally, thebase members can be separated, thereby expanding the X braces.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the compact nature and compressibility of thedevice, which can assist in storage and portability. In certainembodiments, the device can be dis-assembled for storage or transport.The use of quick release pins within the device can also optimizestorage, portability and breakdown.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of device 100 illustrating the flexibilityof X braces 120 and 140 (exaggerated for clarity). It should beappreciated that device 10 can include similar flexibility features.Providing flexible X braces can be in lieu of or in addition to allowingfor adjustability of the X braces along the base members. In theillustrated embodiment, the X braces are made from a flexible material.The flexibility of the X braces can increase the size of slot 66 toallow for insertion of thicker pillows, while maintaining the connectionof the X braces to the base members at fixed positions, as illustratedin FIG. 5. A tapered slot may also hold the pillow more snugly as thepillow is placed in the lower volume of the slot.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 5, the overall operation ofpillowcase changing device 10 will be discussed in connection with FIGS.6 and 7. It should be appreciated that the operation of device 100 issimilar to the operation of device 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates X braces 12 and 14 inserted at least partiallybetween a pillowcase 80 and a pillow 82. The X braces can be adjustedalong the x and y axes, as described above, to accommodate pillow 82. Toremove pillowcase 80 from pillow 82, the X braces are inserted betweenpillowcase 80 and pillow 82 to a position where endpoints 32, 34, 40 and42 of X braces 12 and 14 are positioned substantially near the innercorners of pillowcase 80 when on pillow 82. In certain embodiments,insertion of device 10 is performed with pillow 82 resting on one sideand lying flat on a surface, such as bed 84, as illustrated in FIG. 6.Insertion of the X braces, as described above, operates to separatepillowcase 80 from pillow 82, thereby reducing resistance betweenpillowcase 80 and pillow 82 to better enable removal of pillowcase 80.In one embodiment, device 10, including pillow 82 and pillowcase 80, isturned to an upright position, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In an uprightposition, device 10 rests on base members 50 and 52. Pillowcase 80 canbe removed from pillow 82 and device 10 by pulling pillowcase 80 overthe X braces.

To place a pillowcase on a pillow, device 10 can be stood upright, asshown in FIG. 7. Pillow 82 is placed in slot 66 between the X braces andmaintained therein. Pillowcase 80 can be slid over the X braces, usingthe X brace ends to form a rectangle with resistant corners enhancingfeeding of the pillowcase, and thereby placed over pillow 82. Device 10reduces the resistance between pillow 82 and pillowcase 80 to enableeasier placement of pillowcase 80 over pillow 82.

Referring again to FIG. 6, device 10 can be turned to a position inwhich the device is resting on one of the X braces, and pillow 82 isgenerally lying flat. Device 10 is removed by sliding the X braces outan open end of pillowcase 80. In an alternative embodiment, afterplacement of pillowcase 80 over pillow 82 with device 10 in an uprightposition, device 10 can be flipped approximately 180 degrees, so thatdevice 10 is resting on endpoints 32, 34, 40 and 42, allowing for easyremoval of device 10 from pillowcase 80 and maintaining pillow 82 inpillowcase 80.

Various alternative embodiments of the configuration and use of thedevice are contemplated. In one alternative embodiment, a handle orcentral crossbar is used to connect the base members. The handle can beused to move the base members closer together or farther apart andoptionally to secure them at desired separations. In another embodiment,spring means can be used to bias the X braces either towards each otheror away from each other to aid in the use of the device.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A pillowcase changing apparatus, comprising: a pair of parallel Xbrace expanders, wherein: each of said expanders includes two slatsconnected at a pivot point; and each of said expanders included a firstend and a second end, said first end including a first proximal pointand a second proximal point; wherein the parallel spacing of saidexpanders creates a slot for receipt of a pillow; and a pair of parallelbase members, including a first base member extending between said firstproximal points of said expanders, and a second base member extendingbetween said second proximal points of said expanders, wherein selectiveseparation of said base members controls the expansion of saidexpanders.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacing of saidexpanders is adjustable along the lengths of said base members.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the expansion corresponds to a selectedpillow width and the spacing corresponds to the selected pillowthickness.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second ends of saidexpanders each include a first distal point and a second distal point,said first and second distal points of said expanders forming arectangle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidexpanders is flexible along a direction parallel to said base members.6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising support members to secure saidexpanders along said base members.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, whereinfasteners secure said support members to said base members.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said fasteners are screws.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein pivot members connect said expanders andsaid support members.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each slat ofsaid expanders includes a hole, adjacent said proximal points, designedfor receipt of said base member therein.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said pivot points of said expanders are located at centralpoints of said slats.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidexpanders are enhanced to include slick exterior surfaces.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said expanders are enhanced to includegripping interior surfaces.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachof said expanders includes two distal points with rounded tips.
 15. Apillowcase changing device, comprising: a pair of parallel X braces; anda pair of parallel base members secured to said X braces to define aslot for a pillow, wherein a first base member connects a first bottomend of a first X brace and a corresponding first bottom end of a secondX brace, and a second base member connects a second bottom end of thefirst X brace and a corresponding second bottom end of the second Xbrace, and wherein selective separation of said base memberscontrollably expands and contracts said X braces.
 16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the spacing of said X braces is adjustable along saidbase members.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one of said Xbraces is flexible along a direction parallel to said base members. 18.The device of claim 15, wherein each of said X braces includes twoslats, said slats being flat bars with rectangular cross-sections. 19.The device of claim 15, comprising support members to secure said basemembers to said X braces.
 20. The device of claim 15, wherein said Xbraces include top ends opposite said bottom ends, said top endsincluding rounded tips.